Pakistan’s Judiciary at the Cross Road

In modern liberal democracies, the judiciary stands as a vital pillar alongside the Legislative and the Executive branches of a state. Its role encompasses delivering justice impartially, serving as a guardian of transparency, upholding constitutional principles, and interpreting laws and regulations. An independent and effective judiciary imparts confidence in society, assuring both influential figures and ordinary citizens, that their rights are safeguarded.

However, the situation in Pakistan appears dishearteningly bleak. Instances of undue influence from powerful actors in judicial proceedings have severely eroded public trust in the judiciary. Recent events, such as the revelation of a letter by the six Judges of the Islamabad High Court alleging interference in judicial processes and reports of harassment of lower judiciary, coupled with controversial political decisions by the Supreme Court of Pakistan amid political turmoil before the February 8 elections, have exacerbated negative sentiments toward the key state institution. As public faith fades away, the question arises: if the judiciary itself is under the harrow, how can ordinary citizens trust in the system to deliver justice?

Thus, it is incumbent upon the key state institutions to prioritize the autonomy and integrity of the judicial system by curbing external interference. Additionally, the Legislative and the Executive branches must contribute by enacting legislation and providing security for judges and their families, which are essential to empower judges to make decisions solely based on merit, without the fear of coercion.

Given the pivotal role of the judiciary in socio-political development, urgent action is required to restore public trust and ensure the independence of the judicial system in Pakistan. Only through collaborative efforts to liberate the judiciary from external pressures and providing necessary support for the system, ultimately, rebuild the nation’s confidence in its justice system and uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law.